Does Technology Make Cars Stolen With Keyless Entry Better Or Worse?
Does Technology Make Cars Stolen With Keyless Entry Better Or Worse?
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Cars Stolen With Keyless Entry
Many of the latest vehicles have keyless entry systems that allow drivers to open and start their vehicle without using traditional metal keys. The technology is being exploited by thieves.
Thieves are using simple equipment available online to capture the signal the fob transmits to the car. This allows them to open the car, start it and drive off in just a few seconds.
The Relay Attack
A criminal may simply stand near your car and employ a device to intercept the signal sent by the key fob. When you pull the door handle, the key fob transmits an alert that asks "are you the owner of this car?" The criminal's device beams this response back to the key fob, tricking it into thinking that its owner is nearby and unlocking the car. The criminal can then jump into the car and press the starter button and leave the vehicle. The entire process can take only a few minutes and involves no force entry.
This technique is referred to as a relay attack and it is a possibility on many different models. The good news is the technology that makes this type of hacking possible can be easily purchased on the internet. That means almost all cars are vulnerable.
The most popular kind of vehicle targeted is a luxury Range Rover, but any keyless entry car is at risk. Be aware that criminals are not focused on the car itself, but the valuable items inside, such as electronic gadgets and cash.
One of the most effective methods to avoid this kind of theft is by not leaving valuables in your car. If you must put them in a vehicle, make sure they're stored in a safe box or trunk. You can also park your vehicle between a vehicle that isn't as desirable and your garage to discourage thieves. Also, you can employ a lock for the steering wheel to stop thieves from getting the engine started.
If you're concerned about your expensive vehicle being targeted then it might be worth looking into a tracker. It won't stop criminals from stealing a vehicle but it will increase the chances that police can locate and return it.
This is not an original type of theft but the speed and ease at which it can be accomplished has caused a lot of concern among car owners. It's a game between security professionals and criminals and, as technology improves, so will criminal tactics. You can take some simple measures to avoid car thefts by using keyless entry.
The Transponder Attack
When you use the key fob to open and lock your car, the computer in the vehicle receives a radio alert that informs it that your keys are near. But crooks have discovered ways to hack into this system, which can let them start the vehicle without holding the key in their hands.
The thieves use devices that amplify the signal your fob sends the car when you try to unlock it or start it. The thieves then relay this message to the key transponder of the car, and it sends back a code that instructs the car whether to open the doors or start the motor. This code is the same as the one on your key fob, which means the car is convinced that it's a valid signal from your key fob.
The thief will then steal this code, duplicate the key blank and then drive off with your vehicle. It's also a relatively cost-effective procedure. The devices can be purchased on the internet for less than $3000 and are small enough to fit into pockets. So, how do you defend yourself from the threat of these devices? A few simple ways to protect yourself are placing your keys in a Faraday cage or even putting them in the fridge when you're at home.
Other methods include making a mark of the last seven digits of your VIN on the front and rear windows, making sure all electrical items are concealed and keeping valuables out of sight when you're not in your vehicle. The most important thing to remember is to, always lock up your car. Even if you're only leaving it for a short period of time.
According to research conducted by Thatcham, keyless entry car theft is a growing problem. It's not surprising that the number of vehicles stolen by sophisticated thieves employing advanced technology is at an all-time peak.
The Flat Battery Attack
Car thieves are inventive and have come up with some clever ways to rob cars. The good news is that security experts are trying to keep up, so it's never been more simple to protect yourself from theft of keys.
A signal jammer is a sophisticated device that operates on the same frequency as the key fob. It can be put in the pocket of a thief, or hidden in the drive and prevents the car from being unlocked when the owner uses the key fob. This method may be more popular in the near future even though there isn't any evidence to suggest that it is currently used widely.
Hacking the car's software is another more sinister trick. This is why you must make sure that your vehicle has the most recent software updates. Thieves could then log in to the owner's app and start the car from there without requiring the key fob in any way. If you've recently bought a used car, you should consider changing the keys to make this more difficult.
You can also help deter thieves by parking your vehicle in a garage, if possible. While this might not hinder them from stealing your vehicle, it can make their job a lot more difficult since they'll need a way to access the car's computer. It's also worth considering engraving the last seven digits of your VIN onto the mirrors, windows, and headlights. This makes it harder for anyone to change the vehicle's identity in the future.
It's also a good idea to install an alarm system for security like the ones available from Ring, Amazon Blink, and Google Nest. These can also double up as a smart video doorbell and can be a great tool to monitor your car when it's parked outside. You could also think about the use of a security light with the cameras when you have a driveway. This will alert you to any movements in your driveway. It will help deter thieves from trying to lift cars off of the street.
The Stolen Key
Many car manufacturers now replace the physical key with a signal-transmitting proximity key which can be used to open and start your car. Criminals have developed technology that enables them to hack into these systems and steal vehicles without fobs or a button on the keypad.
Researchers have come up with a novel theft get more info technique that involves what they call an CAN attack, also known as a controller network attack. The CAN bus system permits various parts of a car to communicate and is the most sophisticated method of attack against keyless cars.
To take on a vehicle with an attack on the CAN-bus, thieves must intercept the signals from the onboard diagnostics (OBD) port. This port was developed to be used by professional diagnostic tools. However, thieves are able to gain access to it by inserting a cable. This permits thieves to read the computer's code in your car, which is what it uses to unlock and begin your car.
It can take 20 to 30 seconds to duplicate the vehicle's signal with an online-based device that costs less than 100 dollars, Shlisel says. The criminal will then gain access to your vehicle and then drive it away.
Criminals have hacked into cars by hijacking radio signals used by the key fob of the vehicle to communicate with its onboard system. The crooks use devices to capture the signal and amplify it, then transmit it to a different device to clone key fob's encryption code. The crook is then able to unlock your car, start it and drive off with the contents.
As experts in car security warn, the danger of theft via keyless locks is growing as manufacturers equip more models with the technology. Even if your car isn't keyless, you must be vigilant, especially when parking in a public area. Experts advise that you park your vehicle overnight in a garage or at a minimum, somewhere with a good security system like motion detection lights and CCTV.
In addition the most effective thing you can do is to keep a clear of your car - getting rid of valuables such as Sat navigation systems or mobile phones. It is also recommended to lock your car doors and think about engraving the last seven digits of the vehicle identification number on your headlights or windows.